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A host of household names from the worlds of film, sport, TV, art and literature have helped to raise thousands of pounds for the National Literacy Trust. Supported by Pitney Bowes, the 'Pushing the Envelope' campaign secured support from 117 celebrities who customised envelopes to create unique works of art for the public to purchase.
Best sellers were pop artist Sir Peter Blake, whose envelope raised an astounding £2,560. Welsh artist and long term supporter John Knapp Fisher's piece achieved £1,366 whilst Academy Award winning actress Dame Helen Mirren's design sold for £1,020 and Gerald Scarfe's for £615.
Now in its seventh year, the charity campaign raised a significant sum of £14,104, bringing the total amount raised over the years to more than £95,000, thanks to phenomenal public support. The envelopes were auctioned on eBay, concluding on the 22nd March when bids were placed up until the final moments, sending prices soaring.
Other famous names providing their support included fashion designers Christopher Bailey and Giles Deacon, Olympians Sally Gunnell and Linford Christie, businesswomen Michelle Mone, Martha Lane Fox and Jacqueline Gold, authors Sir Frederick Forsyth, Sir Andrew Motion and Alexander McCall Smith and John le Carre.
Bart Leonard, Director, Marketing and Sales Operations EMEA Pitney Bowes commented: "We're thrilled that in such a tough economic climate people are once again prepared to support such a fantastic cause. Celebrity support for this year's campaign in aid of the National Literacy Trust has been stronger than ever with a record number of celebrity artwork envelopes received. All the money raised help the National Literacy Trust transform lives through literacy and offer those in the UK with poor skills the chance to gain greater confidence, employability and opportunities."
Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust says: "We're thrilled about the success of the Pushing the Envelope auction! The funds raised will enable us to reach thousands more children and families across the UK.
"Thanks to everyone that bought a unique envelope, we'll be able to encourage more reluctant readers to develop a love of reading and help teenagers gain vital communication skills for the workplace. A massive thank you to Pitney Bowes for holding the auction on our behalf".
